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As Muslims across Nigeria joined the global Islamic community in celebrating Eid-ul-Mawlid, the commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), on September 5, 2025, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal seized the occasion to deliver a powerful message of peace, unity, and spiritual reflection. Speaking at a special event organized by the state government in Gusau, the state capital, to mark the occasion, Governor Lawal urged residents to intensify their prayers for peace and security, not only in Zamfara but across Nigeria. The governor’s call comes at a critical time for Zamfara, a state that has been grappling with persistent security challenges, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal conflicts, which have disrupted lives and hindered development.
The Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration, held annually on the 12th day of Rabi’ul-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a significant moment for Muslims to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad. In Zamfara, a predominantly Muslim state known for its deep-rooted Islamic heritage, the occasion was marked with prayers, lectures, and communal gatherings, drawing thousands of residents, religious leaders, and government officials. Governor Lawal’s message resonated deeply with attendees, emphasizing the need for collective action, spiritual devotion, and practical measures to address the state’s challenges and foster a brighter future.
This article explores the significance of Governor Lawal’s call for prayers during Eid-ul-Mawlid, delving into the historical and cultural context of the celebration, the socio-political dynamics of Zamfara, the governor’s broader peace-building efforts, and the implications of his message for the state and Nigeria. By situating the event within the larger framework of Nigeria’s quest for peace and development, the article highlights the intersection of faith, governance, and community resilience in addressing one of the country’s most pressing issues.
The Significance of Eid-ul-Mawlid in Zamfara and Beyond
Eid-ul-Mawlid, also known as Maulud or Milad-un-Nabi, is a cherished occasion in the Islamic calendar, celebrating the birth and life of Prophet Muhammad, whose teachings of compassion, justice, and peace continue to guide Muslims worldwide. In Nigeria, particularly in northern states like Zamfara, the celebration is marked with vibrant processions, Qur’anic recitations, lectures on the Prophet’s life, and acts of charity. For the people of Zamfara, Eid-ul-Mawlid is not only a religious event but also a cultural and social gathering that reinforces community bonds and spiritual values.
Zamfara holds a unique place in Nigeria’s Islamic history, having declared itself the first state to fully implement Sharia law in 2000 under then-Governor Ahmed Sani Yerima. This legacy has shaped the state’s identity, with Islamic institutions, scholars, and traditions playing a central role in public life. Eid-ul-Mawlid in Zamfara is typically a time of joy, with mosques and public squares filled with worshippers, and families exchanging gifts and meals. However, in recent years, the festivities have been overshadowed by the state’s security challenges, making Governor Lawal’s call for prayers particularly poignant.
The Prophet Muhammad’s teachings emphasize peace, forgiveness, and community welfare, principles that resonate deeply in a state plagued by violence and instability. By urging residents to pray for peace during Eid-ul-Mawlid, Governor Lawal tapped into these universal values, framing his message as both a spiritual exhortation and a practical call to action. The governor’s address highlighted the need for unity across ethnic and religious lines, reflecting the Prophet’s example of fostering harmony in a diverse society.
Zamfara’s Security Crisis: A Persistent Challenge
To fully appreciate the weight of Governor Lawal’s message, it is essential to understand the security context in Zamfara State. Located in Nigeria’s North-West region, Zamfara has been at the epicenter of a prolonged security crisis characterized by banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling, and communal clashes. These issues, which escalated in the early 2010s, have claimed thousands of lives, displaced countless families, and disrupted agriculture, education, and commerce in a state where over 70% of the population depends on farming and pastoralism.
The roots of Zamfara’s insecurity are complex, driven by a combination of socio-economic, environmental, and political factors. Resource conflicts between nomadic herders and sedentary farmers, exacerbated by desertification and competition for land, have fueled tensions. Illegal mining activities, particularly in Zamfara’s gold-rich areas, have attracted armed groups, who exploit the lack of government presence to perpetrate violence. Weak governance, corruption, and inadequate security infrastructure have further compounded the crisis, allowing bandits to operate with impunity in rural communities.
The impact of this insecurity has been devastating. Schools have been shut down, with thousands of children out of education due to attacks on educational facilities. Markets, once bustling hubs of trade, have been abandoned, and farmers have been forced to flee their lands, leading to food insecurity and economic decline. Women and children have borne the brunt of the violence, with reports of abductions, sexual assault, and forced displacement. The federal government’s efforts to address the crisis, including military operations and peace dialogues, have yielded mixed results, leaving state governments like Zamfara’s to play a critical role in restoring stability.
Governor Lawal’s Leadership and Peace-Building Efforts
Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Dauda Lawal has made security a top priority, recognizing that peace is a prerequisite for development. His administration has adopted a multi-pronged approach, combining kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to address Zamfara’s challenges. These efforts include strengthening local security forces, improving intelligence gathering, and collaborating with federal authorities to deploy troops to hotspot areas. The governor has also initiated community-based peace initiatives, engaging traditional rulers, religious leaders, and youth groups to mediate conflicts and promote reconciliation.
Governor Lawal’s call for prayers during Eid-ul-Mawlid is a continuation of these efforts, reflecting his belief in the power of faith to inspire collective action. In his address, he emphasized that prayers alone are not enough; they must be accompanied by practical steps to address the root causes of insecurity. He urged residents to support government initiatives, report suspicious activities, and foster unity within their communities. By framing peace as a shared responsibility, the governor sought to empower citizens to play an active role in restoring stability.
The event in Gusau, attended by prominent Islamic scholars, traditional rulers like the Emir of Gusau, and community leaders, provided a platform for the governor to rally support for his administration’s agenda. The presence of these stakeholders underscored the importance of collaboration between government and community institutions in addressing Zamfara’s challenges. Religious leaders, in particular, play a critical role in Zamfara, where their influence can shape public opinion and mobilize communities for positive change.
The Role of Faith in Peace-Building
Governor Lawal’s call for prayers during Eid-ul-Mawlid highlights the central role of faith in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. In a country where religion is a powerful force, spiritual appeals can inspire hope, foster unity, and encourage collective action. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad, which emphasize compassion, justice, and forgiveness, provide a moral framework for addressing conflicts and promoting reconciliation. By invoking these principles, the governor sought to galvanize Zamfara’s residents to work toward a common goal.
Islamic scholars at the event echoed the governor’s message, delivering lectures on the Prophet’s life and his approach to conflict resolution. They highlighted stories from the Seerah (biography of the Prophet), such as his peaceful resolution of disputes in Medina and his emphasis on dialogue over violence. These teachings are particularly relevant in Zamfara, where communal conflicts often stem from mistrust and misunderstanding between groups. By encouraging residents to pray for peace, the governor and religious leaders aimed to create a sense of shared purpose, bridging divides and fostering a culture of coexistence.
The call for prayers also has practical implications. In Zamfara, where mosques serve as community hubs, religious gatherings provide opportunities to disseminate information, address grievances, and promote social cohesion. The Eid-ul-Mawlid event in Gusau included sessions where community members could voice their concerns, fostering dialogue between residents and government officials. Such initiatives are critical in rebuilding trust in a state where years of insecurity have eroded confidence in public institutions.
Broader Implications for Zamfara and Nigeria
Governor Lawal’s message during Eid-ul-Mawlid has implications that extend beyond Zamfara, resonating with Nigeria’s broader quest for peace and development. The North-West region, which includes states like Katsina, Sokoto, and Kaduna, faces similar security challenges, making Zamfara’s experience a microcosm of a regional crisis. By prioritizing peace-building, Zamfara could serve as a model for other states, demonstrating the power of combining spiritual, community, and governance strategies to address insecurity.
Nationally, Nigeria’s security challenges have strained its economy and social fabric. The cost of addressing banditry, insurgency, and communal violence runs into billions of naira annually, diverting resources from critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. A peaceful Zamfara would not only improve the lives of its residents but also contribute to national stability, enabling the federal government to focus on long-term development goals.
Economically, peace in Zamfara would unlock the state’s potential as an agricultural and mineral-rich region. The state’s fertile lands, once a hub for crops like millet, sorghum, and groundnuts, could be revitalized, boosting food security and creating jobs. The gold mining sector, if properly regulated, could attract investment and generate revenue, reducing Zamfara’s dependence on federal allocations. These economic benefits would, in turn, create a virtuous cycle, as improved livelihoods reduce the incentives for criminal activities.
Socially, a peaceful Zamfara would enhance access to education and healthcare, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and children. The reopening of schools, which have been closed due to insecurity, would ensure that children, especially girls, can resume their education, breaking the cycle of poverty and illiteracy. Health facilities, often targeted by bandits, could operate fully, improving maternal and child health outcomes. These improvements would strengthen Zamfara’s social fabric, fostering resilience and hope.
Challenges and the Path Forward
While Governor Lawal’s call for prayers is a powerful gesture, achieving lasting peace in Zamfara requires addressing deep-rooted challenges. The complexity of the security crisis, driven by economic inequality, environmental degradation, and weak governance, demands a sustained, multi-faceted approach. The governor’s administration must continue to invest in security infrastructure, including equipping local vigilante groups and improving coordination with federal forces. Economic empowerment programs, such as vocational training and microfinance for youths, could reduce the appeal of banditry and provide alternative livelihoods.
Community engagement is also critical. The governor’s emphasis on prayers should be complemented by initiatives that empower local communities to take ownership of their security. This could include establishing community policing units, training youths as peace ambassadors, and supporting women’s groups to promote dialogue. Traditional and religious leaders, who command significant influence in Zamfara, should be actively involved in these efforts, serving as mediators and advocates for peace.
At the national level, Zamfara’s challenges highlight the need for a coordinated approach to insecurity. The federal government must address systemic issues, such as poverty, unemployment, and climate change, which fuel conflicts across the North-West. Investments in education, infrastructure, and social safety nets could create a more equitable society, reducing the conditions that enable violence to thrive.
The Global Context: Faith and Peace-Building
Governor Lawal’s call for prayers during Eid-ul-Mawlid resonates with global efforts to leverage faith in peace-building. Around the world, religious leaders and institutions have played a pivotal role in resolving conflicts, from Northern Ireland to South Africa. In Nigeria, where religious divisions have sometimes fueled tensions, the governor’s message underscores the potential of faith to unite rather than divide. By invoking the universal values of Islam, he has positioned Zamfara as part of a global movement to promote peace through spiritual and community engagement.
The United Nations and other international organizations have recognized the role of faith-based initiatives in conflict resolution. Programs like the UN’s Plan of Action for Religious Leaders and Actors to Prevent Incitement to Violence could serve as a model for Zamfara, encouraging collaboration between religious leaders, governments, and civil society. International support, in the form of funding and technical expertise, could also bolster Zamfara’s peace-building efforts, particularly in areas like education and economic development.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Peaceful Zamfara
Governor Dauda Lawal’s call for prayers during Eid-ul-Mawlid 2025 is a powerful reminder of the intersection between faith, governance, and community resilience. By urging Zamfara’s residents to pray for peace, the governor has not only invoked the spiritual legacy of Prophet Muhammad but also galvanized a collective effort to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges. His message, delivered amidst the vibrant celebrations of Eid-ul-Mawlid, underscores the potential of faith to inspire hope and action in a state yearning for stability.
As Zamfara looks to the future, the governor’s vision must be matched by concrete actions—strengthening security, empowering communities, and addressing the root causes of conflict. The success of these efforts will depend on collaboration between the government, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and citizens, as well as support from the federal government and international partners. If successful, Zamfara could become a beacon of hope, demonstrating that peace is possible even in the face of adversity.
The Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration in Gusau, with its message of unity and reflection, marks a turning point in Zamfara’s journey toward peace. As residents heed the governor’s call to pray and work for a better future, they carry forward the timeless teachings of the Prophet, whose life remains a guide for building a just and harmonious society. In Zamfara and beyond, this vision of peace is not just a hope but a shared responsibility, one that holds the promise of a brighter, more prosperous future.
